No-Bake Pumpkin Apple Bars with Triple-Layer Delight

I’ve created these stunning no-bake bars that celebrate the perfect marriage of fall flavors. This recipe combines the richness of pumpkin with fresh apples and plums, all layered over a crunchy chocolate-walnut base. What makes these bars special is their beautiful presentation and the way each layer complements the others, creating a sophisticated dessert that requires no baking.

The Story Behind These Bars

This recipe draws inspiration from classic European tortes and modern no-bake desserts. The combination of pumpkin and apple is deeply rooted in autumn harvest traditions, while the gelatin-set layers reflect contemporary dessert-making techniques. I’ve refined this recipe to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that showcase the best of seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate-Walnut Base:

• 200g (7 oz) chocolate cookies, finely crushed
• 70g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
• 60g (½ cup) walnuts, finely chopped

For the Pumpkin Layer:

• 500g (1.1 lbs) pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
• 50g (¼ cup) pumpkin semolina
• 20g (2½ packets) unflavored gelatin powder
• 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) cold water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Apple-Plum Top:

• 2 medium apples (preferably firm varieties like Honeycrisp)
• 80g (2.8 oz) ripe plums
• 60g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 15g (2 packets) unflavored gelatin powder
• 80g (⅓ cup) cold water
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Detailed Instructions

Creating the Perfect Base

1. Line a 20x20cm (8×8 inch) square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
2. Process chocolate cookies in a food processor until finely ground.
3. Mix ground cookies with melted butter and finely chopped walnuts.
4. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Use the bottom of a glass to compress evenly.
6. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.

Preparing the Pumpkin Layer

1. Sprinkle 20g gelatin over 100ml cold water in a small bowl.
2. Let stand 5-10 minutes until completely bloomed.
3. If using fresh pumpkin:

• Cut into chunks and steam until very tender
• Puree until completely smooth

1. Mix pumpkin puree with pumpkin semolina in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Add lemon juice and cinnamon.
4. Heat bloomed gelatin in microwave or double boiler until completely dissolved.
5. Fold gelatin into warm pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated.
6. Pour over chilled cookie base.
7. Refrigerate until firmly set (approximately 2 hours).

Creating the Fruit Topping

1. Core and slice apples very thinly (about 2mm thick).
2. Pit and slice plums into thin wedges.
3. Sprinkle 15g gelatin over 80g cold water and let bloom.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine:

• Sugar
• Orange juice
• Lemon juice

1. Heat until sugar dissolves.
2. Add fruit slices and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
3. Heat bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
4. Remove fruit with a slotted spoon.
5. Arrange fruit decoratively on set pumpkin layer.
6. Stir dissolved gelatin into remaining juice mixture.
7. Pour carefully over arranged fruit.
8. Dust with cinnamon.
9. Refrigerate until completely set (4-6 hours or overnight).

Expert Tips

• Use a mandoline for uniformly thin apple slices.
• Dip apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning.
• Warm your knife in hot water and wipe dry before each cut.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• For cleaner cuts, use a hot knife and wipe between slices.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (serves 16):

• Calories: 185
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 95mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 60% DV
• Vitamin C: 15% DV

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• The base can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Complete bars can be made 1-2 days in advance.
• Not suitable for freezing due to gelatin content.
• Keep chilled until serving time.

These elegant no-bake bars offer a sophisticated blend of autumn flavors in a visually stunning presentation. The crisp cookie-walnut base provides a perfect foundation for the silky pumpkin layer, while the jewel-like fruit topping adds both beauty and a fresh contrast in taste and texture. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to create something impressive without turning on the oven.